This one is mostly Dash/ Aleena, but Jen's here, too.

Other than that, read on!

 
Sebastian Dash and Aleena met on the shore between the two ships.

One was Captain Morgan's sturdy old pirate ship that showed its wear like a badge of honor. A well worn badge of honor. The other, of course, was as pristine as the day it was commissioned thanks to the advanced Morlanciri technology. It hovered almost lazily in the sky, looking almost as out of place in the world as it actually was.

Aleena pulled Dash close. "I have learned one thing, Sebastian. Life with you is never dull."

Dash hugged her close to him. "It's about to get much more interesting, unfortunately."

"That's just the thing... I," Aleena stammered. "I'm being recalled."

Aleena fought the tears welling in her eyes, returning Dash's affectionate hug.

"Wait, what?" Dash did his best to comfort her. "How can a queen be recalled?"

"My people have a long tradition of warrior queens, which is why I can be out here, rather than stuck in some stuffy castle like some other rulers. But we also have laws to prevent a queen from placing herself in unnecessary danger. And the empire has decided that this is... unnecessary."

"I'm worried if there is something to the tales of the sword, even they might be in danger."

"That's the problem. We don't know any 'tales of the sword', and so far, the strongest threat can't even hurt anything out of her line of sight," Aleena replied. "I want to be queen, but I also want to adventure with you. I don't know what to do."

The elf pulled Dash down to sit with her. Dash obliged, mulling it over. "So where are they seeing the danger? What I mean is, how can they say it's too dangerous without acknowledging something needs to be done about it?"

"As Kadlin... and other examples have amply showed, we're at a distinct disadvantage," Jen answered. She approached softly, silent as a cat and crouched in front of Dash and Aleena. "What's dangerous to you is not dangerous to the empire."

Dash sighed. "What about the other elves? They could be useful with our ship problem in particular."

"We can volunteer. But the queen's safety is paramount. She will not be joining you," Jen said. Aleena sighed and pulled Dash closer. There was a lengthy silence before Dash spoke again.

"They're right, of course. I love.. loved seeing you again. But you have responsibilities, and this really is our mess to get in order."

"I love you Dash, but... I fear I might not ever see you again." Aleena buried her face in Dash's shoulder, finally succumbing to the tears. Dash found himself taken a little aback by that.

Still hugging her with one arm, he tapped his forehead and then hers with his finger. "There's still this.. telepathy. Communications. Whatever it is. I'll make it through this somehow, don't worry."

"It's not the same."

"No," Dash acknowledged, not sure what else to say. "It isn't."

"Perhaps," asked Jen, folding her arms in front of her, "you'd be willing to come live amongst the stars with us, when this is over?"

Dash looked up. "I was thinking that maybe someday, when my job is done here, I could join you up there. Someday. If you want."

"You said, 'I'll', Sebastian." Aleena sighed, looking at the adventurer.

"I won't lie," Dash said. "Things are going to get really bad here before they get better. Catrina's goddess said as much."

"Not that. I wanted to know where I stand with you." Aleena replied. Dash sighed, still keeping eye contact with her.

"I don't know what you want to hear," Dash said, sounding tired and apprehensive. "I love you, you know that, I hope. But this's my world. I need to look after it. But.."

Dash leaned over, kissing her lips. Just a quick kiss, but intimate. "We'll get through this. I'll figure something out. I always do."

Aleena smiled weakly. Adventuring was Dash's first love, and were she in his position, she would choose the same. Yet it stung all the same.

"Be safe, Sebastian."

"Thank you, Aleena," Dash said, trying unsuccessfully to ignore the queasy, lost feeling in his gut. "Oh, I meant to mention, Cattaras and his sister are with the pirates."

Jen glanced to Aleena expectantly. "Very well, Jen. You may go," Aleena said, mainly for Dash's benefit. The red-and-black clad warrior turned quickly and made her way to the ship. "I take it you're not going to sail with them, Sebastian?"

Dash shook his head. "No, Todd and I will be needed in the Kingdom. Between the strange portal activities and the uprisings between the Knob Goblins, the Gnollish and the Penguin Mafia.. I did mention the airship when I contacted you, right?"

"You want us to shoot it down?" Aleena asked.

"Could you scan it first?" Dash shrugged. "Otherwise, that would be great, thank you. Will you be talking to Cattaras or Catrina before you leave?"

"No, but Jen shall." Aleena rose. "Be safe, Sebastian."

Dash smiled weakly. "Don't forget us."

Another impactful moment as Aleena is again leaving. Meanwhile, Dash has his own problems on this world. LOTS of problems. Good thing the rest of the space elves (Morlencir) are staying around!

it was nice to get a little break from the action but next up, we dive full force into the action and - surprise, surprise- Dash is a part of it again! Hehe!

It isn't just Dash, either. The resident AIL foxbard is there too.

After that, we'll get more space elf goodness, but next up - that.